Don’t let a small outdoor space cramp your style – there are plenty of ways to create a usable, yet charming, oasis in even the smallest of outdoor spaces.
Apartment living has become the norm in many urban cities. This has opened up a new opportunity for retailers to capitalize on the need for practical solutions for small outdoor spaces. This is great news for anyone looking for compact patio furniture, as there are now plenty of options to choose from that go beyond the classic bistro set.
We’ve put together a list of our five favourite essential considerations to help you transform your compact outdoor space into a comfortable, stylish, and functional retreat, all while staying within your budget.
1. Comfort
You don’t need to compromise on comfort just because you don’t have a sprawling outdoor space. Uncramp your compact condo balcony or the like with comfortable, cozy furniture and fixtures.
Ambient lighting adds a welcoming warmth to any space. Lanterns and string lights are a popular choice because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can also install pot lights or pendant lights if your space allows.
Consider battery-operated or solar powered lighting if electrical outlets aren’t available, and play it safe with LED candles inside of open-flame lanterns.
2. Privacy
Oftentimes when you live in an apartment or a unit with a smaller outdoor space, you’re confronted with a lack of privacy. Without a fence or wall between you and your neighbour, no matter how well you get along, sitting outside to relax or entertain can feel awkward and uncomfortable.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’d prefer to feel less like you’re in a fishbowl and more like you’re in your own garden getaway, you can use privacy screens, room dividers, vertical gardens or outdoor curtains to add more privacy to your outdoor space.
3. Style
It used to be common to see a balcony minimally furnished with a simple bistro set and perhaps a few items stored in plain view. Now, with all of the patio furniture lines created specifically for homes with limited outdoor square footage, it’s easier to find pieces that match your personal style.
A simple way to bring colour and texture into the space is with pillows and comfy throws. Don’t let the walls go to waste either – hang artwork, plants and signage. Lighting not only adds to the ambiance but can also lend itself as a décor piece – explore different sizes, styles and colours that suit your outdoor area.
Lastly, an important but overlooked area of the balcony or patio is the floor. To enhance your balcony’s style, invest in an outdoor rug or carpeting for colour and comfort, faux wood panels for a stylish deck-like appearance, or paint or stain concrete floors to match your unique aesthetic.
4. Durability
Style is important, but so is functionality. Luckily, there are many pieces of furniture and décor that were made to withstand the elements.
When choosing outdoor furniture, look for sets made from aluminum, teak, stainless steel, or weather-resistant wicker. These materials are best able to tolerate the Canadian climate. Investing in high-quality and weather-resistant furniture is an excellent idea, especially if you don’t plan on storing it indoors during the winter months. Higher-end vendors pride themselves on the quality of their products, and have gone to great lengths to ensure the furniture you purchase will not rust, and the fabric won’t fade.
You can also choose to have built-in benches installed that will not only provide ample seating, but also plenty of storage for your outdoor entertaining items and textiles.
5. Budget
When choosing budget-friendly outdoor furnishings, look for items made of durable materials . To save on costs, you want to avoid needing to replace your items every few years due to deterioration.
If you keep your eye out, you can probably find furniture and other outdoor décor second-hand on online marketplaces or at thrift stores. You can also repurpose items you already have to use in your outdoor space, and simply bring it back indoors to store it in the winter if it’s something that can’t handle the cold.
From cozy furniture to innovative lighting solutions, there are endless opportunities to create a comfortable and functional balcony or patio. Happy decorating!
